The client admitted with a diagnosis of a fractured hip who is in Buck’s traction is complaining of severe pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

1. Adjust the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) machine for a lower dose.
2. Ensure the weights of the Buck’s traction are off the floor and hang freely.
3. Raise the head of the bed to 45 degrees and the foot to 15 degrees.
4. Turn the client on the affected leg using pillows to support the other leg.

Option 2, the nurse should ensure the Buck's traction weights hang freely to aid in proper fracture alignment and pain reduction, then assess the patient's pain and take appropriate action, potentially including contacting the physician.

If a patient with a fractured hip in Buck's traction is complaining of severe pain, the nurse should first ensure that the traction setup is correct and functioning as intended. This would involve implementing intervention number 2: ensuring the weights of the Buck's traction are off the floor and hanging freely. It is crucial that the traction apparatus is set up properly to provide the intended therapeutic benefit and reduce pain.

In addition to checking the traction setup, the nurse should assess the patient's pain and provide appropriate pain management. Given the scenario provided with Ms. White, this may include contacting a physician for an order to adjust the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) machine or providing alternative pain relief measures. Adjusting the position of the bed or turning the patient might be necessary for comfort, but without proper orders, these actions may not be appropriate for a patient in traction without further assessment.